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GLP-1 Receptor Agonists for Opioid Addiction Treatment

GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: Exploring Their Potential in Opioid Addiction Treatment

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Summary GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) show potential in treating opioid addiction by reducing cravings and relapse in animal models. While some studies indicate promising results, further research in humans is needed to confirm their effectiveness and safety in addiction treatment.

The opioid crisis is a pressing global health issue, with millions affected by opioid addiction and its devastating consequences. Opioids such as morphine,and oxycodone are powerful pain-relieving medications prescribed for moderate to severe pain. While they are effective analgesics, these substances carry a high risk of addiction due to their potent effects on the brain’s reward pathways. They bind to opioid receptors in the central nervous system, leading to increased dopamine release in areas associated with pleasure and reward. This dopamine surge reinforces drug-taking behavior, making cessation challenging and relapse common.

In recent years, researchers have been investigating alternative strategies to address opioid addiction, focusing on the biological mechanisms underlying addiction and seeking novel therapeutic targets. One area of interest is the role of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptors (GLP-1Rs) in modulating reward-related behaviors. GLP-1Rs are traditionally known for their role in glucose metabolism and appetite regulation, making them targets for type 2 diabetes treatments. However, emerging evidence suggests they may also influence the neural circuits involved in addiction.

This article reviews the latest research on how GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) might modulate opioid reward pathways. By examining preclinical studies, we aim to provide a nuanced understanding of the potential role of GLP-1RAs in opioid addiction treatment, while acknowledging the preliminary nature of current evidence and the need for further research.

Understanding GLP-1 Receptors and Opioid Addiction

GLP-1 is an incretin hormone produced in the gut in response to food intake. It stimulates insulin secretion, inhibits glucagon release, slows gastric emptying, and promotes satiety. GLP-1Rs are widely expressed not only in the pancreas but also in various brain regions, including those involved in reward and addiction, such as the nucleus accumbens (NAc), ventral tegmental area (VTA), and lateral septum (LS).

The involvement of GLP-1Rs in the central nervous system suggests that GLP-1RAs could influence behaviors beyond glucose regulation, potentially affecting reward processing and addiction. By activating GLP-1Rs in specific brain regions, GLP-1RAs might attenuate the reinforcing effects of opioids, reducing craving and preventing relapse.

Key Research Findings

Several preclinical studies have explored the effects of GLP-1RAs on opioid-induced behaviors in animal models. The findings are mixed and highlight the complexity of the mechanisms involved.

Linagliptin’s Effects on Morphine-Induced Reward in Rats

Experiment Overview

Linagliptin is a dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) inhibitor commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes by increasing endogenous GLP-1 levels. In this study, researchers investigated whether linagliptin could influence morphine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) in rats, a behavioral paradigm used to assess drug reward.

Methods

  • Subjects: Adult male rats.
  • Procedure: Rats underwent conditioning sessions where morphine was paired with a specific environment.
  • Intervention: Linagliptin was administered at varying doses before conditioning sessions.
  • Assessments:
    • Acquisition and expression of morphine-induced CPP.
    • Extinction of CPP (the diminishing of the learned association).
    • Reinstatement of CPP after extinction (a model for relapse).
    • Locomotor activity to rule out non-specific effects on movement.

Results

  • Reduction in CPP: Linagliptin inhibited both the acquisition and expression of morphine-induced CP.
  • Accelerated Extinction: Rats treated with linagliptin showed a faster extinction of CPP compared to controls.
  • Reduced Reinstatement: Linagliptin decreased the reinstatement of morphine-induced CPP after extinction.
  • Locomotor Activity: No significant changes were observed, suggesting that linagliptin’s effects were specific to reward processing rather than general activity levels.

Significance

These findings suggest that enhancing endogenous GLP-1 levels through DPP-IV inhibition can attenuate the rewarding effects of morphine in rats. By preventing the breakdown of GLP-1, linagliptin may increase GLP-1 signaling in the brain’s reward pathways, reducing the reinforcing properties of opioids. However, it’s important to note that this is a single study in rodents, and further research is necessary to determine whether these effects translate to humans.

Exendin-4’s Limited Effects on Morphine-Induced Behaviors in Mice

Experiment Overview

Exendin-4 (Ex-4) is a GLP-1RA that mimics the effects of GLP-1 by binding to GLP-1Rs. This study examined whether Ex-4 could influence various morphine-induced behaviors in mice, including reward, withdrawal symptoms, and locomotor activity.

Methods

  • Subjects: Adult male mice.
  • Procedures:
    • Morphine-Induced CPP: Mice underwent conditioning with morphine to assess CPP.
    • Morphine Withdrawal: Withdrawal symptoms were evaluated after chronic morphine administration and cessation.
    • Hyperlocomotion: Morphine-induced increases in locomotor activity were measured.
    • Remifentanil Self-Administration: Mice were trained to self-administer remifentanil, a potent opioid, to assess reinforcing effects.
  • Intervention: Ex-4 was administered before behavioral assessments.

Results

  • Morphine-Induced CPP: Ex-4 did not affect the acquisition or expression of CPP.
  • Morphine Withdrawal: Ex-4 had no significant impact on withdrawal symptoms.
  • Hyperlocomotion: Ex-4 did not reduce morphine-induced increases in locomotor activity.
  • Remifentanil Self-Administration: Ex-4 did not alter self-administration behaviors.

Significance

While this may appear contradictory to the first study presented, especially when considering that DPP-4 inhibitors are generally considered somewhat weaker than GLP-1RA, it is crucial to understand that Remifentanyl is 50-100 times more potent than morphine. An individual that is experiencing withdrawals from potent opioids like fentanyl or remifentanil would likely need an addiction medicine specialist with a multimodal approach. 

Exendin-4 Decreases Oxycodone Self-Administration and Reinstatement in Mice

Experiment Overview

Oxycodone is a semi-synthetic opioid with high abuse potential. This study explored whether Ex-4 could affect oxycodone self-administration and seeking behaviors in mice, focusing on the nucleus accumbens shell (NAc shell), a key region in the reward circuit.

Methods

  • Subjects: Adult male mice.
  • Procedures:
    • Self-Administration: Mice were trained to self-administer oxycodone by pressing a lever.
    • Cue-Induced Reinstatement: After extinction of self-administration behavior, cues previously associated with oxycodone were reintroduced to assess relapse-like behaviors.
  • Intervention: Ex-4 was administered either systemically or directly into the NAc shell.
  • Assessments:
    • Oxycodone self-administration rates.
    • Cue-induced reinstatement of oxycodone-seeking behavior.
    • Feeding behaviors to check for non-specific effects on appetite.
    • Analgesic effects of oxycodone to ensure pain relief was not compromised.

Results

  • Reduction in Self-Administration: Ex-4 decreased oxycodone self-administration when administered both systemically and directly into the NAc shell.
  • Attenuation of Reinstatement: Ex-4 reduced oxycodone-seeking behavior triggered by drug-associated cues.
  • Feeding Behaviors: Ex-4 did not adversely affect food intake, indicating specificity for drug-related behaviors.
  • Analgesic Effects: Ex-4 did not interfere with oxycodone’s pain-relieving properties. This is significant because it means someone who has a medical indication for opioids post surgery for example, could take their pain medicine with the upside of having an easier time to taper off after a few weeks but none of the downsides of reduced analgesia in the interim.

Significance

This study suggests that GLP-1Rs in the NAc shell may play a role in modulating the rewarding effects of oxycodone in mice. By attenuating self-administration and reinstatement without affecting natural rewards or analgesia, Ex-4 demonstrates potential as a therapeutic agent targeting opioid addiction. However, these findings are preliminary, and replication in other models and species is necessary.

Conclusion

Based on the above evidence from animal studies as well as theoretical biochemistry that was not discussed in this article, they’re a strong evidence that Glp-1 receptor Agonist as well as dpp4 inhibitors may be useful in opiate addiction both during the treatment phase and after cessation of opiates crucially without any reduction in analgesia. it is also important to note that Ultra potent opioids withdrawals may not be responsive to GLP-1RA.Finally  studies on humans have to be performed to establish quantitatively  the extent to which glp-1 receptor agonists mitigate opiate withdrawal.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for guidance tailored to your health situation.


At CanadianInsulin, we’re dedicated to providing up-to-date information and quality medications to support your health needs. Explore our range of GLP-1 receptor agonists and consult with our pharmacists for more information. 

Medically Reviewed

Profile image of Dr Pawel Zawadzki

Medically Reviewed By Dr Pawel ZawadzkiDr. Pawel Zawadzki, a U.S.-licensed MD from McMaster University and Poznan Medical School, specializes in family medicine, advocates for healthy living, and enjoys outdoor activities, reflecting his holistic approach to health.

Profile image of Dr Pawel Zawadzki

Written by Dr Pawel ZawadzkiDr. Pawel Zawadzki, a U.S.-licensed MD from McMaster University and Poznan Medical School, specializes in family medicine, advocates for healthy living, and enjoys outdoor activities, reflecting his holistic approach to health. on December 17, 2024

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